(Originally posted on The Judgment of Paris Forum, December 25, 2003.)

Let's be honest--bridal fashions are absolutely made for plus-size women. Fashion in general may, at times, veer towards modernity, but bridal wear retains timeless elements and decorative motifs--all perfectly suited to the opulent aesthetic of the fuller female figure.

To illustrate the point, here are a few examples of gorgeous, curvaceous models in bridal styles, from the current (Feb/March 2004) issue of Modern Bride magazine (the title of which is practically an oxymoron).

First, here is Nadia (PB, Miami) in an ad for Alfred Angelo. We have always respected this company for favouring the use of true plus-size models in its ads, and this image is particularly successful. The backdrop is somewhat reminiscent of a Turkish bath in a Jean-Leon Gerome painting, and the dress accentuates the beauty of the model's exquisite figure. Indeed, looking at this gorgeous image, one wonders how any full-figured bride could ever choose a different style for her "big day":

Next, another fine Alfred Angelo image shows us Kati Kochanski (IM Miami). The motif of the goddess gazing at her own reflection is timeless, and frequently recurs in Western art. And who can blame Ms. Kochanski for admiring the lovely image in her mirror? Kati is currently the "face" (and figure) of Alfred Angelo's "Bridal Plus" line, and has walked the runway in bridal shows around the country for this client (to tremendous acclaim).

And finally, the magazine also features something quite rare (until now)--a plus-size bridal editorial layout. The layout is less romantic than most bridal spreads, but is whimsical and fun, and opens with the very affirmative cut line:

Plus-size brides are living it up. There are more silhouettes than ever before--and no style is off limits. Have fun choosing!

Hear, hear. This is our favourite tear sheet from the layout, showing junior favourite Ashley Graham exhibiting that ideal "plus" style--strapless and sleeveless. And, as we have noted before, we fully favour the inclusion of accessories such as male models and sundry delectables in plus-size editorial spreads--the latter because it helps overcome the stigma about full-figured women and food that the media otherwise attempts to propagate at every turn.

If only one could merge the use of genuinely full-figured models--as we see here--with the sumptuous backgrounds that we see in the Lazaro Bridal ads, the aesthetic effect would be truly wondrous . . .